Southern California -- this just in

Second suspect arrested in alleged gang rape of Bay Area high school student

October 26, 2009 | 10:34
pm

A second suspect was arrested tonight in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 15-year-old girl who police say was assaulted at Richmond High School for at least two hours while witnesses watched and did not call authorities.

The suspect, a 15-year-old student, was booked on one count of felony sexual assault, said Lt. Mark Gagan. Police earlier had arrested a 19-year-old former student on rape, robbery and kidnapping charges in connection with the attack, which took place Saturday night during the school's homecoming dance.

The victim, who was waiting for a ride from her father after leaving the dance, was taken to a dark alley on the other side of the school around 9:30 p.m. and raped, beaten and robbed by about seven attackers, police said.

The ordeal lasted 2 to 2 1/2 hours, Gagan said, during which time more than a dozen witnesses passed by or watched what was going on but did not call the police.

The girl's father was looking for her while the attack was taking place, police said.

Police were finally called after a female student overhead people talking about the rape. She called 911 and told dispatchers what she had heard, Gagan said.

When officers arrived on the scene, the assault was still going on. Several suspects fled as officers found the girl naked from the waist up, Gagan said.

"She was unconscious," he said.

He said investigators based their account of the incident on an interview with the girl and statements from several people who witnessed or were involved with the assault. The girl remained hospitalized tonight.